I fell for it …

The other day I saw a post on Facebook from a friend boasting something like, “Got my free plane ticket … just in time for the holidays.” A free plane ticket sounds enticing, especially when the snow and temperatures start falling here in Wisconsin, so I clicked on the link and provided my email and contact information. My spidey sense started tingling before I hit submit but the deal was so good, I couldn’t pass it up. The next ten minutes confirmed my fear – empty-handed and a slew of random emails spamming my inbox.

Have you been misled in a similar situation? You get excited about something that’s promised to you only to be disappointed when it’s not delivered. Would you call it being gullible or just hopeful that these wishes might be granted?

Recently, I’ve been hearing more often how business owners are getting burned by companies promising effective websites and increased website traffic only to be let down by the outcome. Typically you don’t realize your selection mistake until it’s too late. No wonder business owners are skeptical of the next internet marketing company that comes along. Hurt me once, shame on you, hurt me twice … well, you know how it goes.

When you realize one experience can’t define your vision of Facebook, vendors, or relationships, you slowly start dipping your toe back in the water – more aware and skeptical because of your experience.

I’ll probably dip my toe back in the water with Facebook in the future because I love interacting with social media. Enter life’s contests with caution but don’t stop entering.